Shiva is one of the most loved gods in Hinduism. He is called Mahadev, Shankar, and Bholenath by people. He is seen as the destroyer of evil, but kindness and care are also shown by him. Shiva is not always shown in the same form. At different times, he took different shapes. These are known as the avatars of Lord Shiva.
Every Shiva avatar has its own story. Some came to protect good people. Some appeared to fight demons. A few were soft and calm, others were very strong and angry. Each form tells us something about life, like why we should be brave, honest, or faithful.
Our old texts say that there are 19 avatars of Lord Shiva. For example, the Bhairav avatar of Lord Shiva is seen as the protector. Loyalty and devotion are shown by Nandi. Even Hanuman is called an incarnation of Lord Shiva. It is reminded by these forms that Shiva is always stayed with by his devotees. When we read about the 19 avatars of Lord Shiva, we are not just reading stories. We are also learning lessons. These lessons help us in daily life. In this blog, we will see all the avatars of lord shiva one by one.
Understanding the Concept of Avatars
The word avatar means a form. In Hindu belief, gods take a form when the world needs help. That form is called an avatar. When we speak about the avatars of Lord Shiva, it means the many ways Shiva appeared. He never stayed the same. Sometimes he came as a saint, warrior and Sometimes even in a very simple form. Every time there was a reason.
Vishnu also has avatars like Rama and Krishna. Shiva’s avatars are not like that. They are different. Many of them are not just about fighting demons. They are about teaching people. They show how to live with courage, faith, and truth. The Bhairav avatar of Lord Shiva is strict and strong. The Rishabh avatar is calm and honest. By looking at these forms, we see that Shiva can be both gentle and fierce.
So the 19 avatars of Lord Shiva are not just stories. They are lessons. They remind us that God can take any form to protect and guide his devotees.
19 Avatars of Lord Shiva
Piplaad
The first form in the 19 avatars of Lord Shiva is Piplaad. People believe this form helps remove the bad effect of planets, mainly Shani. Even today, many pray to Piplaad to get peace in life. The story says Piplaad was born to Rishi Dadhichi. His father died very early, and his mother also left him. As a small child, he was alone, but Shiva’s power was bestowed upon him. That is why he is seen as an avatar of Shiva.
Once, Piplaad became angry with Shani Dev. He cursed him because Shani was giving pain to his parents. Shani could not handle his curse and had to run away. Later, Piplaad calmed down. He forgave Shani after he understood that Shani also had a role in the universe. This shows something important. Even when you are strong, you should not misuse your power. And forgiveness is greater than anger.
People visit Piplaad temples even today. They pray to reduce the bad effect of Shani and to get good health and peace in family life. The Piplaad avatar of Lord Shiva is a reminder that real strength is not only in power, but also in mercy.
Nandi
The next form in the 19 avatars of Lord Shiva is Nandi. Everyone has seen Nandi in temples. The bull sitting right in front of Lord Shiva. But Nandi is not only a vehicle. He is also Shiva’s own form. Nandi shows power. But he also shows faith. In old stories, Nandi is always near Shiva. He guards the door of Kailash. Nobody can go in without his word. That shows both his strength and his loyalty.
He was also known for knowledge. Some texts say Nandi taught rishis about yoga and dharma. Listening to him was like listening to Shiva. This is why many saints respected him. Even today, people lean close to Nandi’s ear and speak their wishes. It is said Nandi carries those words to Mahadev. The Nandi avatar of Shiva tells us: be loyal, be strong, and protect what is right.
Veerbhadra
Veerbhadra is one more form in the 19 avatars of Lord Shiva. This form came from Shiva’s anger. The story goes like this. Sati was insulted by her father Daksha. She could not take the pain and gave up her life. Shiva was broken. He became angry, very angry. From that anger came Veerbhadra.
Veerbhadra was huge. Strong body. Red eyes. A warrior. He went to Daksha’s yagna. He broke the place, fought with gods, and punished Daksha. This avatar is not just about anger. It is about respect. It shows that when someone you love is insulted, silence is not the answer. Sometimes anger becomes the power to fight wrong.
In many temples, Veerbhadra is still worshipped. People pray for courage. People ask for strength. The Veerbhadra avatar of Lord Shiva tells us, protect truth, protect respect, even if you need to fight.
Bhairav
Bhairav is one of the 19 avatars of Lord Shiva. This form is dark. Fierce. Strong. The story says, once Lord Brahma became too proud. He forgot limits. Shiva had to stop him. From Shiva came Bhairav. Bhairav cut one head of Brahma. After that, Brahma’s pride was gone. The world was safe again.
People fear Bhairav, but they also love him. He guards temples. He keeps away evil. In many places, dogs are seen as his friends. People feed dogs to make Bhairav happy. This avatar shows a big lesson. Pride can destroy you. No matter how high you are, respect is needed. The Bhairav avatar of Lord Shiva is worshipped for protection, courage, and safety from enemies.
Ashwatthama
In the big war of Mahabharata, there was a boy. His name was Ashwatthama. He was the son of Guru Dronacharya. But people say, he was not just any boy. A part of Lord Shiva lived inside him. He was strong. Too strong. He could fight day and night. No fear. No rest. When he got angry, his eyes looked like fire.
But in the last night of war, he made a mistake. A big one. He killed warriors who were sleeping. That was not dharma. It was against the rules of war. Because of this, Shri Krishna gave him a curse. Ashwatthama was told, “You will live forever. But with pain. With wounds that never heal.” People still whisper, he is alive. Somewhere, walking alone. Tired, but not dead. This story shows us one thing. Power is not enough. Without wisdom, power can destroy everything.
Sharabha
Once, Lord Vishnu came as Narasimha. He killed the demon, yes, but after that he was still very angry. His roar was so scary, like the whole sky was shaking. The gods got worried. They thought, “What will happen now? Who can stop him?” So they went to Lord Shiva. And Shiva, he took another form. This time he became Sharabha, one of the avatars of lord shiva. The form was very strange. Part lion, part bird, very big wings, very sharp claws.
Sharabha went close to Narasimha. Not to fight, but to hold him, to calm him down. Slowly, the anger started to cool. The world became quiet again. People say this story shows something important. Power is needed, but peace is bigger. Even the strongest one must learn when to stop. That is why the Sharabha Avatar is remembered. It is not just about strength. It is about balance.
Grihapati
There was a small boy. His name was Grihapati. He had only his mother with him, because his father had passed away. The boy was different. From morning till night, he only wanted to pray to Lord Shiva. You know how children like to play? But this boy just sat near Shivling.
People in the village laughed. Some even said, “He is wasting his time. Nothing will come out of this.” But the boy never argued. He just kept chanting Shiva’s name. Then one day, a few wise men came. They told him, “Your life is short. You may face death soon.” The mother cried. She held her son and asked him to leave the prayers. But Grihapati said, “Don’t cry, Maa. Shiva will save me.” That night he prayed with full heart. He closed his eyes and said only one word again and again,“Shiva… Shiva…”
And then what happened? Lord Shiva himself appeared. Shiva placed his hand on the boy’s head and said, “You will live long. No danger will touch you. From today, you are under my care.” From that day, people stopped laughing. They started respecting the boy’s devotion. That is why this avatar of lord Shiva is called Grihapati Avatar. The meaning is simple, when faith is pure, even death runs away.
Yatinath
In this avatar of lord shiva, Shiva lived like a sadhu. People called him Yatinath. He wore plain clothes, carried no wealth, and looked like a wandering saint. He did not stay at one place for long. Most of his time was spent in silence and prayer. Many people came to him with problems. Some asked for money, some asked for food, and some asked for children. Yatinath listened with kindness. But he never promised gold or land. He told them, “Keep your mind calm. Everything else will come in its own time.” His soft words gave hope to the people.
This avatar taught a very simple lesson. A peaceful heart is more powerful than any treasure. If you control anger, if you stay honest, then life feels light. Yatinath did not just say this. He lived this way every day. Even today, saints in India follow this path. They live with little, but they spread happiness. Devotees remember Yatinath when they want patience and courage. By praying to him, people feel that greed, fear, and ego slowly go away.
Krishna Darshan
Shiva once wanted to show how strong love between him and Vishnu was. So, he took the form of Krishna. He held a flute, wore a peacock feather, and had the same smile that made everyone feel happy. People who saw him thought Krishna himself had come. Some began to sing, some started to dance, and some just folded hands in silence. Their hearts were full of joy.
Later, it was known that this was avatar of Lord Shiva. He had only taken Krishna’s look to remind people that Shiva and Vishnu are not different. Both are one, both give blessings. This avatar teaches that God’s love can come in any form. If your heart is clean, it doesn’t matter which form you see. The blessing will reach you.
Bhikshuvarya
Once, Shiva came as a beggar, just walking with a small bowl. Ash all over his body. His eyes calm, quiet. People looked at him. Some gave food and some laughed. Shiva just smiled. No anger. No pride. He wanted to teach something simple. Money and pride do not make life good. Only kindness, a clean heart, and simple living matter. That’s why people remember him as Bhikshuvarya Avatar of lord shiva.
Sureshwar
Shiva once came as Sureshwar. You know, to help the gods. The demons were causing trouble. The gods were scared. Sureshwar appeared with calm eyes and strong hands. He guided the gods. He showed them how to fight the demons. No pride. No show. Just focus on helping. People say this avatar teaches one thing. Power is good, but only when it is used to protect and do right. Even today, devotees remember Sureshwar when they want courage to face problems.
Kirateshwar
Once, Shiva became a hunter. People call this Kirateshwar Avatar. He wanted to test Arjuna’s devotion. He walked in the forest, carrying a bow. His eyes were sharp. Arjuna saw him and didn’t know he was Shiva. They fought. Bow met arrow. Trees shook. After the fight, Shiva smiled. He blessed Arjuna. He gave him the guidance and power to win his battles. This avatar of lord shiva shows that Shiva sometimes tests people. He teaches patience, courage, and true devotion.
Sunatnartak
Shiva once became Sunatnartak. In this form, he danced with great energy. His feet moved fast. His hair flew everywhere. The whole world seemed to shake with his dance. People who saw him were amazed. They could feel power and joy at the same time. This dance was not just for show. It was to show how creation and destruction are part of life. The lesson is simple. Life moves in cycles. Things are created and things end. Shiva teaches us to accept both with courage.
Yaksheshwar
Shiva once appeared as Yaksheshwar. People say he looked calm but very powerful. He walked quietly, and his presence alone made everyone feel respect. He wanted to teach that true strength is not in weapons or wealth. It is in knowledge, patience, and honesty. People who met him learned to control anger and fear. This avatar of lord shiva reminds devotees that inner power is stronger than outer power. Even a small, calm person can do great things with faith.
Avadhut
Shiva once became Avadhut. You know, he didn’t care about the world at all. No house, no money, no pride. Just walked in forests and mountains. People saw him. They asked, “Why are you happy with nothing?” Shiva just smiled. He wanted to show that real happiness is inside, not in things. He lived freely. No greed. No ego. That’s the lesson of Avadhut Avatar of lord shiva. If the heart is light, life is light too.
Tripurantak
Shiva once became Tripurantak. You know, there were three big cities full of evil people. They were causing trouble everywhere. Shiva came with his bow and arrow. The sky shook. The wind blew. He aimed carefully and destroyed all three cities in one shot. People were amazed. They saw how powerful Shiva is. But he didn’t show pride. He just returned to his calm, quiet self. This avatar of lord shiva teaches one thing: power is only good when used for right.
Khandoba
Shiva once came as Khandoba. You know, he wanted to help people who were suffering from demons and evil rulers. He wore simple clothes and carried a sword. People saw him fighting the demons. He was brave, fast, and strong. The evil could not stand against him. After defeating the enemies, he blessed the people. They felt safe and happy again. This avatar of lord shiva shows that Shiva protects those who are good and pure.
Hanuman
Shiva once took the form of Hanuman. You know, to help Lord Rama in his battle against evil. He had a strong body, long tail, and very fast speed. He could fly, jump, and fight anyone who tried to harm good people. Hanuman was very humble too. Even with all his strength, he always obeyed Lord Rama and helped others without pride. This avatar teaches that true power is not just in strength. It is in helping others with love and humility.
Durvasa
Shiva once became Durvasa. You know, he looked like a wandering sage, always moving, always alert. People saw him and felt respect. He could get angry quickly, but he also gave blessings generously. His mood taught people to be careful with their actions. This avatar of lord shiva shows that devotion and discipline matter. Those who are honest and respectful get blessings, while greed and pride bring trouble.
Conclusion
Shiva has many forms. Some are strong, some are calm. Some are playful, some are strict. All these Avatars of Lord Shiva show different things. Each avatar tells a little story. Some teach courage, patience and some show how to stay humble and how to help others. Even today, people pray to these forms. They ask for help, for peace, for courage. It does not matter which avatar you see. If your heart is true, God listens. Shiva’s avatars make life simple. They tell us to be kind, stay calm, and have faith. Just remember them, follow their lessons a little, and life feels lighter, you know.